Brandon Aiyuk news puts more pressure on second-year WR

San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall better break out in 2025 now that Brandon Aiyuk is set to miss more time.

On Monday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he expects Aiyuk to return from an ACL/MCL tear in his right knee around Week 6. The 2023 second-team All-Pro suffered the injury in a Week 7 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the final 10 games of the 2024 season. 

Without Aiyuk, the 49ers struggled, finishing 6-11. San Francisco's WR room could be even thinner this season after trading wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Washington Commanders in March. 

Pearsall — pick No. 31 of the 2024 NFL Draft — missed six games during his rookie season after he was shot during an attempted robbery. The Arizona State/Florida product showed flashes after returning, logging 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdown catches.

Pearsall, who turns 25 on Sept. 9, seems ready to assume a heavier workload this season.

"To be honest, I'm approaching it the exact same way," the WR said, via Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. "Whether those guys are in the room or not, that's just how I look at myself. I just got to be able to step in that role. That's just how I look at it."

Pearsall spent more time with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy this season to improve their chemistry. That may be working. The offensive signal-caller tossed a 30-plus-yard TD pass to the wideout during last week's joint practice with the Denver Broncos.  

"Obviously, I love the fact that we were able to do it, but it just goes back to us building reps on reps on reps, all these last couple practices throughout camp and stuff, and we need to continue doing that into the season," Purdy said of the play, per David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone.

When the 49ers reached Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season, the team scored the league's second-most points (28.6), via Team Rankings. Last season, San Francisco tied for 14th (22.9) in points scored. 

The Purdy-Pearsall tandem could reignite San Francisco's offense and help the unit manage until Aiyuk returns.